Men's Soccer Claims 1-0 Shutout Victory over Coast Guard

Springfield, Mass. - October 16, 2021 - The Springfield College men's soccer program recorded a 1-0 shutout victory over Coast Guard in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action at Brock-Affleck Field on Saturday afternoon. 

Springfield pushes to 8-4 overall and 3-2 in conference with the victory, while the Bears hang at 8-4-1 and 2-3 in the NEWMAC play. Coast Guard outshot the Pride, 15-11. 

Clayton Knibbs (Madison, Conn.) was terrific between the pipes for the Pride as the junior finished with five saves. 

Springfield didn't take long to get on the scoreboard as Finn Welch (Williamstown, Mass.) crossed a pass into the box that was deflected to Maitoe Suppasuesanguan (Bangpongpang, Yannawa, Bangkok), who pumped in a goal from the top of the box to give the Pride a 1-0 edge in the first minute of play. At 7:25, John Flood advanced the ball ahead for the visitors and looked for the equalizer, however Knibbs made an athletic play on the ball to slide into the shot attempt and maintain the 1-0 lead for Springfield. 

Coast Guard began the second half aggressively, in hopes of evening the game at 1-1. In the 48th-minute, Robbie Fuggett received a pass and open opportunity to score for the Bears, but Knibbs made an remarkable effort to dive and stop the chance and keep the score at 1-0. Coast Guard would attempt to cut into the deficit several more times in the second half, yet Springfield defenders were able to clear the ball away each time. In the 80th-minute, Carson Trager took a direct kick that had a chance, but went high.  In the final minute, Robbie Fugett landed the corner kick into the box, but Knibbs, again, rose above the crowd and took away the chance and let the Pride earn the victory. 

Springfield will host Wesleyan (Conn.) in a non-conference matchup Wednesday, October 20 at 7pm.

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